今回の Topic は、Official Guide to the TOEFL の Independent Essay 第１２問です。

１. Topic           

      In general, people are living longer now.  Discuss the causes of this phenomenon.  Use specific reasons and details to support your essay.

２. Struture

a) Thesis Statement (Introduction)                

     After the Second World War (WWII), average life expectancy from birth has become longer and longer in most parts of the world, especially in the developed countries, due to economic growth, emergence of welfare state, and advancement in medicine.

b) Body の部分を構成する３つの Paragraph の Main Idea は、

第１ Paragraph　第二次世界大戦後の経済成長は、生活水準を向上させ、一般市民の医療へのアクセスを身近なものにした

第２ Paragraph　更に、西欧及び北欧に端を発した福祉国家の登場は、国民向けの医療保険制度を充実させた

第３ Paragraph　医学の進歩は、病気の早期発見を可能としただけではなく、癌等の難病への治療法も大きく発展させた

 

３. Sample

     After the Second World War (WWII), average life expectancy from birth has become longer and longer in most parts of the world, especially in the developed countries, due to economic growth, emergence of welfare state, and advancement in medicine.            

     To begin, affordable access to medical care has contributed to longer life expectancy since humans are able to stay healthy.  In order for us to prevent unnecessary early death caused by illness, every child has regular medical checks to find the sings of illness and the diagnosis allow them to take preventive measures.   And we can see the doctors every time we feel not well.  Thus, the rise of living standard driven by the rapid economic growth after the WWII has made the access to medical care more affordable for most people.                       

     In addition, the emergence of welfare states, in North and Western European countries in particular, has implemented social welfare systems including medical insurance.  Although cost for medical care has become affordable, it can still amount to too much if the disease we suffer becomes prolonged.  However, medical insurance systems provided by the state have served as the safety net for the worker and their family members.  This state led welfare systems have also helped humans live longer staying healthy.                                                                                             

     Finally, the advancements in medical science are one of the key beneficiaries for longer life expectancy for human beings.  As the medical techniques to locate early signs of illness have improved significantly since the twentieth century, development of curative drugs and robotic surgeries have also accelerated.  As a result, we have surmounted many diseases which were once thought to be fatal, such as tuberculosis.  And anti-cancer therapies will be affordable in the near future.                        

       In conclusion, higher standards of living, welfare state, and the advancements in medicine have caused the longer life expectancy for human beings.

 

To be continued.